CAFB supports National Immunization Awareness Month

Immunizations for more than 20 diseases have been created in order to prevent the ailments before the patient acquires them. Several of the preventable disease immunizations are packaged together into single vaccines such as the Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) shot. (U.S. Air Force Graphic/Airman 1st Class Charles Dickens)

One of the most effective ways to receive an immunization is through a syringe filled with the selected vaccine. The National Immunization Awareness Month is meant to be a reminder that everyone requires immunizations to maintain their health, no matter the age. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Charles Dickens)

Most immunizations come in the form of a vial or pre-drawn syringe and are refrigerated to ensure the safety of the vaccine. National Immunization Awareness Month focuses on ensuring that everyone has received their required vaccines for their age group to minimize risk of contracting preventable diseases. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Charles Dickens)

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- During the month of August, Columbus Air Force Base joins the nation in celebrating National Immunization Awareness Month.

Immunizations protect Airmen and their families from preventable diseases and play a large role in maintaining unit readiness and ensuring resiliency by helping to sustain good health. In addition, not keeping up-to-date on vaccinations puts others at risk for diseases that could have been prevented.

Immunization requirements are largely determined by age groups and on what immunizations they have had in the past or what diseases the group is most susceptible to. The first step to ensure personal or dependent immunizations are up-to-date, visit a physician to see which vaccines are recommended for the particular age group.

With the next school year beginning, many children need to have their vaccines updated in order to enroll.

To enroll in any public or private Mississippi school, the student must either be up-to-date or exempt from their immunizations. The required immunizations for the 2012-2013 school year are:

· Three doses of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine
· Four doses of the Polio (IPV) vaccine
· Three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine
· Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine
· Two doses of the Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine

It is important to remain current on vaccinations to ensure that good health and to keep from spreading diseases to peers with lower immune systems. Immunizations are one of the easiest ways to stay healthy and safe.

With the influenza season arriving quickly, be sure to get the latest immunization as it becomes available to avoid becoming infected. Visit the local medical clinic with any questions regarding acquiring or remaining current on any immunizations.